Book Description
She opened the shagreen box. Couched in gray silk was an emerald necklace, one he had not seen for twenty years. The stones were just as he recalled them: a dozen or more, baguette cut and set in gold links, with a single ruby at the center. Flashes of verdigris, orpiment, and Prussian blue sparkled in the candlelight. The form of this necklace was as disturbing as ever. It had nearly cost him his life.
It is the summer of 1765. The renowned and exquisitely dressed portrait painter Joshua Pope accepts a commission to paint the wedding portrait of Herbert Bentnick and his fiancée, Sabine Mercer, to whom Bentnick has become engaged less than a year after the death of his first wife. Joshua has barely begun the portrait when a man's body is found in the conservatory. A few days later, Sabine's emerald necklace disappears, and Bentnick accuses Joshua of theft. The painter is suddenly fighting not only for his reputation but for his life. With a sure understanding of period detail and character, Janet Gleeson creates a richly nuanced tale of greed and revenge that plays out in the refined landscapes and dark streets of eighteenth-century London.
Customer Reviews:
disappointing.......2007-06-30
the plot really had promise, but the writing was very simplistic, and the characters didn't grab me. I stopped reading after 70 pages - I just didn't have the interest to go any further.
An historical mystery with a twist.......2005-05-28
The author of The Serpent in the Garden was trained in art, and has worked at Sotheby's in London-so it should come as no surprise that the protagonist of this book is an artist who pays attention to the small details. Although Janet Gleeson does indeed pay attention to detail, she tends to skimp on the plot, especially the mystery itself. However, this is a highly original book, and it was fun to read.
Joshua Pope is a fictional artist living in 18th- century London. Commissioned to paint a wedding portrait of Sir Herbert Bentnick and his bride Sabine Mercier at their estate Astley, Pope immediately encounters a mystery of a singular kind: the death of a man purported to be a Mr. Cobb, in a greenhouse on the estate. Sabine Mercier, originally hailing from Barbados, is an avid cultivator of pineapples, a fruit that was in vogue in the mid-18th century in Europe. The death allegedly was by poison; since poison is thought to be the weapon of choice by women, could Sabine or her daughter Violet be the murderer? Its a tangled, twisted mystery that Joshua gets involved in, especially when no one in the family seems concerned over the death of a stranger on their property.
Coinciding with the death is the mysterious disappearance of a necklace that belongs to Mrs. Mercier- in the curious shape of a serpent, with the head clasping the tail. The serpent, a serpent of temptation, is the subject of a legal dispute which affects everyone in the Mercier/ Bentnick family. What amazed me, in following Pope's investigation, is how he trusts every untrustworthy person in the book, and mistrusts everyone who he should trust. For someone who claims to be an observer of human character, this feature of the book seemed out of character.
If you have read other reviews I have written on this site, you'll know that I'm an avid reader of historical fiction, as well as mysteries. While The serpent in the Garden is neither the best historical fiction nor the best mystery I have ever read, it is certainly well crafted. I can't wait to read other novels by Janet Gleeson.
interesting, very interesting.......2005-05-16
I wont' try to sum up the events of this book as the other reviewers have done, I believe it is not my place to do so. I will simply give my opinion of it and my feelings towards the piece.
It is a very ineresting book, that kept my thoughts occupied for some time. The language is very nice and a murder mystery never hurt anyone, so if you're looking for a book that u want to entice you, I recommend this one among others to set you back in time and live the life of a successful portrait painter looking to solve a mystery.
intriguing Georgian who-done-it .......2005-02-15
In 1766, Herbert Bentnick, a widower of under a year, is betrothed to two time Barbados widow Sabine Mercier. Herbert commissions renowned portrait artist Joshua Pope to paint their wedding picture at his Astley estate. However, Sabine, a horticulturist working with her fiancé's pineapple plants, finds a corpse in the hothouse.
While the engaged couple and his family seem unconcerned that someone was murdered on their estate, a shocked Joshua takes it upon himself to investigate. He assumes the deceased is Barbados attorney John Cobb based on documents the dead man was carrying. Joshua also learns that Herbert's wife was still alive and with him when he met Sabine, but died shortly afterward. Finally, he realizes how knowledgeable Sabine is when it comes to plants. Joshua's sleuthing efforts prove fruitless and he now must prove he did not steal Sabine's valuable emerald necklace while the family points their accusing fingers at him.
As with THE GRENADILLO BOX (different artisan detective - cabinetmaker Nathanial Hopson, but similar theme and era), THE SERPENT IN THE GARDEN is an intriguing Georgian who-done-it with the emphasis on the 1760s England. The story line is loaded with historical detail providing the audience a close look at the upper class mostly through the eyes of the moralistic artist. Joshua is a fine protagonist; however the two antagonists will fascinate readers. Is Herbert a besotted fool or a clever killer and even more intriguing is Sabine as Joshua's circumstantial evidence implicates her as the culprit in at least two deaths.
Harriet Klausner
Hot-house horrors.......2004-09-13
Renowned portrait painter Joshua Pope, is commissioned to paint a wedding portrait of Herbert Bentnick and his exotic bride-to-be, Sabine Mercier. Sabine is an expert in the horticultural art of growing pineapples and has coaxed Herbert to devote most of his conservatory space to the cultivation of this crop. Sabine is the owner of an emerald and gold necklace in the form of a serpent which both fascinates and repels Joshua as a beautiful but evil jewel.
The body of a stranger is found among the plants in the conservatory and Joshua, who is of a very enquiring nature, deduces that he has vomited after ingesting unripe pineapple and that the excessive heat of the conservatory has virtually cooked him while he was unconscious. The serpent necklace is found to be missing and Herbert blames Joshua for its absence. He insists that Joshua solves the murder and the theft and threatens to ruin his reputation as a painter and to destroy him artistically as well as financially. It's a wordy and very descriptive novel which would appeal mor to lovers of historical fiction.
Customer Reviews:
Historical Fiction + Fantasy.......2007-02-05
This was my second Judith Merkle Riley book to read-- having read The Oracle Glass first. I thought that the story was plausible but... be prepared for angels and demons to be living and breathing in the story.
The heroine of the story, Susanna Dallet is a quick witted, strong, talented court painter in Henry VIII's court. The facts/details included in the story about the methods of painting-- preparation of paints and tools was fascinating and I thourghly enjoyed this information.
The supernatural, fantasy characters were farfetched--confusing at times, but not totally ridiculous as both the good and evil 'beings' did have their own humourous charm.
If you like fantasy stories and can let your imagination just let go and run w/the fantasy created-- then this book is for you. I had a hard time accomplishing this while reading the book.
Fun, quirky and enchanting.......2006-07-10
In spite of hearing great things about her witty historical fiction (with a dash of fantasy) I never read anything by Judith Merkle Riley until today. I should never have waited so long.
This is an almost perfect novel. It has history, about Henry VIII's little sisters marriage to the king of France, mystery, in the shape of a secret priory of noble men keeping a secret about the "true royal blood of France" romance, and a spunky main character with a real personality. You'll even pick up on something (a very common theme in historical fiction actually, especially with the Cathers) that has come into the spotlight lately.
There's not much that needs to be said beyond that. This is a quirky, quick uplifting read that should enchant lovers of both historical fiction and fantasy. The main character, Susanna, a plucky and very talented woman painter who must shift for herself when her no good husband is murdered because of a secret manuscript and a locked up demon, is someone that you'll love instantly.
It is not a book to be taken seriously, but is purely a novel that provides novel entertainment. Perfect for summer reading. I polished it off in about a day and have allready ordered more of the authors books.
Four stars.
Romance & intrigue in the dangerous court of Henry VIII.......2004-07-25
Riley's delightful historical fiction is marked by wit, elegant writing and heroines with unusual talents and this fourth novel, set in the court of Henry VIII, is no exception.
Susanna Dallet is the daughter of a painter and the wife of another (who married her to learn her father's secrets). Because her husband spends all his money on his mistress, Susanna accepts a commission, in his name, to copy in miniature a portrait of the King's beautiful and willful sister, Mary.
Well taught by her father, she completes the painting herself and delivers it the next evening. But her husband has meanwhile been murdered by a jealous husband, so the painting acquires the cachet of having been completed by a ghost - women and non-guild members being forbidden to paint.
Such court powers as Bishop Thomas Wolsey are not so gullible however and Susanna's talents soon bring her to his notice (after an interlude supporting herself and an extended household through "naughty" religious paintings). Guild rules do not apply in the King's court and Susanna is soon swamped with orders, if not payments.
And when Henry VIII schemes to capture the throne of France by marrying his sister to the aging French king, Susanna is included among the vast wedding party.
Meanwhile, her dead husband's darker activities are dogging her footsteps. Part of a group of Satan worshipers, her husband acquired an ancient manuscript much covetted by his co-conspirators and a faction of the Knights Templar. Not knowing what the book is, Susanna has been cutting the margins as parchment for her miniatures while the devil-worshipers close in.
Romance, suspense, danger and intrigue abound. Susanna becomes adroit at escaping the silken nets of plots at both the British and French courts. She survives a disastrous storm at sea, but seems likely to lose the man she loves to poisonous whispers.
Menacing strangers watch her every move. Demons and angels compete for ascendancy in her world. Yes, demons. Riley enjoys a dash of spice from the supernatural and is a good enough writer weave it into the story's flow for the most part. This affinity worked better in 'The Oracle Glass,' however, where the heroine was a trained clairvoyant to the rich and famous. When angel and demon throw themselves into human endeavors in 'The Serpent Garden' it gets to be a little much - more farce than wit.
A minor complaint, however. Riley has a gift for immersing the reader in her period. She conveys the details of mixing and buying paint, learning anatomy, cleaning a studio floor, layering color on a miniature, guild rules and much much more without ever making the reader admire her research skills. Riley keeps the details integral to her heroine's daily activity and passionate commitment to her art.
Perhaps more impressive, she manages to convey the gist of political maneuverings without lengthy discourses and without her heroine's ever showing the slightest interest in any of the lofty intrigue. A colorful, captivating read.
Very good book!.......2002-12-22
I've been a fan of Judith Merkle Riley's books for a couple of years, and this book is really great. Susanna is a strong female character, and it is easy to get involved in her story; also, to see a woman in such an unusual position, where she is supporting herself, in the early sixteenth century was refreshing. However, The Serpent Garden doesn't quite measure up with another of Riley's books, The Oracle Glass, which I count among my favorite books. Susanna, though adventurous, is also sometimes overly modest and goes on and on about women's traditional roles, being a good wife, etc. However, if you like historical fiction, and if you enjoy Riley's books, I really recommend this one. Despite its shortcomings, it really is an enjoyable read and I'm happy to have it in my library.
Fun Stuff, Surprisingly good..........2002-07-20
The book alternates between the first person of Susannah Dallet, the Dutch-English heroine paintrix, and the third person descriptions of evil deeds of an evil doing demon master and the demon he conspires with. Susannah is just hoot. She's innocent, but intelligent, not quite blissfully unaware of all the rotten stuff going on around her, and she sees the world through her art, in terms of color and pigment, and has quite a bit to say about faces and how to paint in miniature. Not to mention that she must resort to subterfuge to keep practicing her trade in the man's world that is Tudor London and the rest of Renaissance Europe, for that matter. Susannah just wants to paint and be a good girl, but unfortunately her society won't allow her to do both. Through a series of adventures she ends up employed by Cardinal Wolsey to serve in the train of Mary Tudor, bride of the old King Louis of France. The historical detail is excellent here, right down to Jane Poppincourt's affair with the Duc de Longueville, Francis 1 rst libido, and Louis' sending Mary servants back to England. Riley does a wonderful job fusing characterization with Historical fact, and then moving from art to the beyond with demons and angels. At first the demons are a bit boring, but when the angels show up, the whole supernatural element fits right in, and makes for a wonderful tale.
Customer Reviews:
Seasons of Pleasure: Summer and Autumn.......2005-08-31
Great BOOKS! I can't wait until the next book in this series is released in Print!
Book Description
What if you discovered that everything you knew about the world was a lie? That’s the question at the heart of Philip K. Dick’s futuristic novel about political oppression, the show business of politics and the sinister potential of the military industrial complex. This wry, paranoid thriller imagines a future in which the earth has been ravaged, and cities are burnt-out wastelands too dangerous for human life. Americans have been shipped underground, where they toil in crowded industrial ant hills and receive a steady diet of inspiring speeches from a President who never seems to age. Nick St. James, like the rest of the masses, believed in the words of his leaders. But that all changes when he travels to the surface—where what he finds is more shocking than anything he could possibly imagine.
Winner of both the Hugo and John W. Campbell awards for best novel, widely regarded as the premiere science fiction writer of his day, and the object of cult-like adoration from his legions of fans, Philip K. Dick has come to be seen in a literary light that defies classification in much the same way as Borges and Calvino. With breathtaking insight, he utlizes vividly unfamiliar worlds to evoke the hauntingly and hilariously familiar in our society and ourselves.
Customer Reviews:
A little dated, but still good.......2007-03-06
This is a short book (~190 pages) but I think any fan of speculative fiction or science fiction should read this book for context. Written in 1964, it is pretty interesting the things Dick speculated might be the future. I was a little put off by the characters, none of which were very likable really. But still, a decent read.
A Meditation on Power.......2007-02-01
Originally written in the 1960s, the novel is primarily concerned with potential societal structures in a post-nuclear world, a favorite theme of the author's. Readers of some of the his short stories from the same period will notice repeating ideas, which may cause some irritation.
This book is driven by concept and plots, not characters. The characters are sketched in lightly, with detailing on the emotions and thoughts behind their actions. The dead bodies don't start piling up until the middle of the book. This novel is both a thriller and a sci-fi concept novel, but it is ultimately a meditation on power, attempts to hold onto power, and the morality of what people deem "is unfortunate, but necessary."
When We Have Othered Ourselves Away, What Next?.......2005-12-15
THE PENULTIMATE TRUTH [bugged] me into a world where 99% of humans live underground, hiding from a war on the surface created by the elite to keep them down. The protagonist ventures to the surface in order to obtain a replacement spleen for a prized anthill member. I am pleased to have more thoughts to share than this review can hold. At present I will begin by saying that THE PENULTIMATE TRUTH is great science- fiction because it relies on one of the most fascinating of sciences: psychology. The most important science in the novel is the complexity of the human brain, the body part that the engineers in the novel were not able to replace.
I find the other themes that I noticed Dick dealing with, God, time, and "othering," hard to capture. When I try I feel like I am trying to fit them into a snow cone with a little hole in the bottom: bits just keep escaping! Nevertheless, I shall make an attempt:
Dick's mixed references to God demonstrate how difficult it is to define God's place in a world driven by science. One of his characters could actually be called Time, and this character would then be the most significant within the work. Finally, events in history that involve wiping out and moving entire populations of people travel forward in this novel with time, into a future where history is repeating itself. The only difference in this future is who the "others" are.
Dick questions how important it is to decide where God fits, why the powers of memory and time-- which equal history-- are still ignored, and what the consequences of this neglect could be. Unless we want to end up like the masses in THE PENULTIMATE TRUTH, we should start thinking.
Do You Really Want The Truth?.......2005-02-03
When I decide to visit Planet Phil, I read several of PKD novels in succession. At first, it just happened that way. Now I do it on purpose. I am not so anal retentive to read them in chronological order. This may have something to do with the fact that I tend to like his later works more. That said I have a sneaking suspcion I will eventually read them all.
The years, not to mention a majority of his fans, have not been kind to this book. The Penultimate Truth, though written during Dick's most prolific period, in comparison to his other early sixties novels(Palmer Eldritch or Now Wait For Last Year)just doesn't compare.The writing is blocky and slightly inelegant.The characters are a tad weak. And you can definitely tell that it was serialized somewhere.Hardly sounds like a ringing endorsement, right? Well, I am glad I read it
Despite its failings The Penultimate Truth is evocative and provocative. The story morphs through a variety of scenarios which touch on numerous SF tropes and does so almost seamlessly. From the post-apocalyptic "Ant Tanks" to the Orwellian "Yancemen", you can see Phil the world builder at work. The novel even incorprates a time travel conspiracy and a stab at futuristic mystery. While reading it I could almost imagine a version of this as a movie ala Terry Gilliam's " Brazil". These elements really helped me through the rough spots
It is obvious that the drive of the novel is thematic. The enjoyment of the novel comes more from weighing the implications of actions than from understanding why they are taken. As I stated earlier, the characters are abit weak since they are clearly in service of the story and not the other way around. With a cast this large in a book this small, it seems inevitable. Still the characters of Nick St. James and Joseph Adams are sharply drawn in a concise manner.
The truth is read this book to have your mind melted and not to have your senses stirred.
Do you recognize this novels world?.......2004-09-09
This is a world were the majority of people spend their time unknowingly serving the rich who lead lives of affluent decadence. The commoners leader is a vision that doesn't actually exist and represents a minority that cares nothing for them.
This is our world right now, and I must give P K Dick the credit he deserves for predicting this future. I love PK Dick and this is one of his most relevant works for today's society.
Book Description
The Navarre Bible New Testament series offers extensive explanations of the meaning of the scriptural text and its implications for everyday life. The commentaries draw on a rich variety of sources - Church documents, the writings of the Fathers and Doctors of the Church, and the work of prominent spiritual writers, particularly Saint Josemaria Escriva, who initiated the Navarre Bible project. The commentary appears on the same page as the Bible text, which is the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition. Each volume is self-contained with extensive introductions and notes to Old Testament prophecies. The Navarre Bible commentary is considered by many to be the best Catholic commentary on the Bible available today.
Customer Reviews:
Devotion in the fullest sense of the word!.......2006-12-01
I was new to the author, having never read his thoughts or even heard of him until recently. I am a mystical charismatic, who is bent towards philosophy, and have been exposed only minimally to catholic devotional writers. I have been enriched tremendously by "Christ is Passing By." The practical holiness, and the vision of a life captured by a desire to love God and others fully is contagious. The book follows the lectionary year. The teaching is first rate in most cases, and the spirit is all God centered. I thank God for this book.
A challenge to your heart and soul..........2004-12-11
This collection of homilies is one of the first books I read by St. Josemaria Escriva. While remaining optimistic, the Saint penetrates the spiritual malaise that has overcome our Western society and calls us rekindle our enthusiasm for Jesus Christ. Yet the author is in no way condescending or preachy in his style. Rather, he is passionate.
I recommend this book to anyone who has been overcome by the "spiritual blahs" and is looking for something solid to inspire them to greater Catholic action.
Go beneath the surface!.......2004-05-21
[The cover of my particular edition has been updated - does not look like image provided by Amazon] It's not hard to understand why the Catholic Church considers Josemaria Escriva to be a Saint after reading "Christ Is Passing By." What an insightful man he was! He writes in a clear and comprehensible fashion. This particular book is a great resource for those who want to scratch beneath the surface of some of the most significant events from the New Testament - events commemorated each year by the Catholic Church. It's also a great resource for bible study. It can and should be read over and over again. Bottom line: "Christ Is Passing By" has enhanced my personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Nice reading.......2003-08-24
I have read this book twice, since it is so good that it deserved a second, more paused reading. Fr. Escriva is clear, direct puting new light into traditional Catholic teachings.
Worth reading!!!!!
Nice book.......1999-09-15
Nice ideas about the sense of life. Could be usefull to understand some of the modern cultural issues from a catholic view. Well writen.
Book Description
How can I become the godly woman I desire to be?
Are there things I can do to deepen my relationship with God?
What can I do to help other women mature spiritually?
Women are inherently relational; we naturally respond to people, particularly other women. Because of this, many of us learn best through a one-on-one mentoring relationship--such as the one described in Titus 2 ("...older woman...train the younger women...").
Yet countless numbers find it difficult to find a godly woman prepared to fill this role. That's why author Carole Mayhall has written Come Walk With Me: to stand in the gap as counselor and guide while you grow, and to teach how you, too, can assist younger Christian women in their spiritual walk. Carole's friendly, helpful advice will help you...
Review the crucial basics of the Christian faith
Fall more deeply in love with God as you learn about his love for you, discover the immeasurable value of the Bible and the purpose of prayer, and learn how studying God's Word in different ways can impact your life.
Dig into God's word
Find out which study methods work best for you! Choices include verse studies, personal applications, Scripture meditation, chapter studies, Scripture memorization, character studies, topical studies, and the use of prayer notebooks.
Apply Bible truths
Learn about obeying God, loving your husband and children, being self-controlled and pure, managing a household, and showing kindness (as described in Titus 2).
Pass on what you learn
Learn how to fulfill the biblical command to help other women grow in the Christian life.
Customer Reviews:
Great book of Encouragement and Teaching.......2004-06-30
This book came as a pleasant surprise for me. Ms. Mayhall took a very detailed and academic approach to helping women develop their spiritual life to that of a woman fitting to mentor/disciple others. I appreciated the lessons, which I am still studying, and I was most impressed with the writer's suggestion to read through the entire book first before beginning the study. If you are looking to learn more about living for the Lord Jesus and doing your part to help other women come into their own...Come Walk with Me is an excellent choice. Enjoy it and experience a closer walk with the Lord!
GOD AS OUR MENTOR.......1999-07-09
GOT THIS BOOK DUE TO LACK OF WOMEN WHO KNOW HOW TO BE A TITUS 2:4 WOMAN. I NEEDED TO KNOW HOW TO BE THE WOMAN GOD WANTED ME TO BE AND WANTED A WOMAN TO SHOW ME SOME "HOW-TO'S". I HAVE MET CAROLE AND KNOW HER TO BE A WOMAN AFTER GODS' HEART. SHE IS WELL ABLE TO GUIDE YOU TO A WONDERFUL, CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR LORD.
A wonderful book to revive your walk with Christ........1998-08-12
This is an excellent book both for inspiration and practical ideas for how to make changes in your life. The focus of the book is how to change into the person God wants you to be. It covers your relationships with your spouse, kids, friends, and enemies. There are study questions, Bible references and practical applications. I would highly recommend this book for anyone who desires to grow closer to God and more like Christ, but needs down-to-earth ways to do it.
Product Description
This first published collection of Msgr. Escriva's homilies ranges through the Church's liturgical year. The teaching it contains constantly reflects the connection which should exist between a Christian's most ordinary--and therefore most human--insterests and the transcendence of God.
Average customer rating:
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Christ's Hospital of London, 1552-1598: "A Passing Deed of Pity"
Carol Kazmierczak Manzione
Manufacturer: Susquehanna University Press
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Product Description
How one woman allowed God to "train" her to be the person she was ment to be.
Books:
- The Testament of Yves Gundron
- The Time In Between: A Novel
- The Tinsmith's Helper and Pattern Book: With Useful Rules, Diagrams and Tables
- The Town Beyond the Wall: A Novel
- Tokyo Cancelled
- Tomcat in Love
- War and Peace: 3-Volume Boxed Set (Everyman's Library (Cloth))
- Waterland
- Wild Thorns (Interlink World Fiction)
- X Out Of Wonderland
Books Index
Books Home
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- The Community of the Beloved Disciple
- Morte D'Urban
- Marx for Beginners
- Nothing's Sacred
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- Queen Victoria Her Girlhood and Womanhood
- Mozambique Business Law Handbook
- Your Pension and Your Spouse - The Joint and Survivor Dilemma, Canadian Edition
The Thief Taker: A Novel
The Canterbury Papers : A Novel of Suspense
The Secret Lion (The Spymaster Chronicles, Book 1)
The Illuminator
The Ruby Ring: A Novel
